Gaiety Theatre
From ManxWiki
 This article is incomplete and requires additional information.
|
The Gaiety Theatre and Opera House is an entertainment venue on Harris Promenade in Douglas, built to the designs of architect Frank Matcham and opened in 1900
Contents |
Pre-Gaiety
The Gaiety Theatre was built on the site of the former Pavilion, an entertainment hall with stage that had been constructed in 1893, closing after only six seasons.
Brief History
The theatre opened on 16th July 1900 with a West End production of The Telephone Girl featuring Ada Blanche. The theatre enjoyed considerable success in the Edwardian era, but after World War I the island's tourist industry fell into decline, and so did the theatre.
Various attempts were made to regain its former commercial success, including the 1920s installation of cinema equipment and a 1938 ice show. Income could not keep pace with the cost of maintenance, and by 1971 the Isle of Man government acquired the freehold of the now dilapidated building. In 1976 the restoration began under the direction of architect Victor Glasstone.
1991 - 2000
The theatre has undergone extensive restoration beginning in the 1990s and was largely restored to its 1900 opening condition, in time for the centenary celebration in 2000. Today the theatre continues with productions by local companies and touring productions of musicals, drama and opera.
The Gaiety Threatre is run by the Department of Tourism and Leisure as part of the VillaGaiety Complex along with the Villa Marina and the 2009 refurbished Villa Arcade.
Film Location
In February, 2008 The Gaiety played host to Hollywood movie Me and Orson Welles. The film stars Zac Efron and Claire Danes. The Gaiety replicates The Mercury Theatre in New York in 1937.
Location Map
Contact Details
- Gaiety Theatre
- Harris Promenade
- Douglas
- Isle of Man
- IM1 2HH
- Telephone
- Admin: 01624 620046
- Box office: 01624 625001
Further Reading
Book: "A Full Circle: 100 Years of the Gaiety Theatre" by Roy McMillan, available in local bookshops and libraries.
